Nearly 70 hopefuls participated in VI Raiders main camp Aug 13-15. The BCFC season begins on Sept. 11 with VI set to host Langley. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Dan Marshall

Breaking Camp

Raiders main camp sets table for BCFC return in Nanaimo

Aug 20, 2021 | 4:55 PM

NANAIMO — The VI Raiders are moving full speed ahead towards their first football game since the fall of 2019.

Nearly 70 players took to NDSS field on Saturday, Aug. 14, in hopes of being on the opening day roster Sept. 11 against Langley.

General manager Josh Williams said the players were hungry to prove themselves after missing the entire 2020 season.

“The guys were looking pretty sharp. Based on the fact they’ve had 18 months off, the team looks really good.”

Williams didn’t want to build up preseason expectations too high but he is confident the Raiders will be one of the top BCFC clubs in a shortened eight game season.

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“We want guys to come out and have fun, work on their game and be better every day. If we do that the wins will take care of themselves.”

VI will look to build on a 5-5 campaign in 2019 with veterans in several key positions including quarterback.

“Jake Laberge is one of the best quarterbacks in western Canada,” Williams said. “I was very impressed with our offensive line at main camp and we have some major leaders on the defensive side as well.”

In September 2020, the CJFL made the decision to allow graduating players one extra year of eligibility.

Those now 23-year-old players have relished the opportunity to continue their careers.

“When the season got cancelled a lot of my fifth years weren’t sure if they were going to have another chance to play football. It’s kept the guys hungry, competing for each other and wanting to have another kick at the can.”

The players had a short two day break after main camp and are now on a schedule of practicing four days a week with weekend off field workouts.

When the Raiders start the regular season they’ll begin a new era with their home games moving from Caledonia Park to NDSS field.

Williams said the club will still utilize Caledonia and Comox Field for practice but the players are liking the move to NDSS so far.

“It’s nice to finally have a turf field for our team to perform on. Having the bonus of lights we’ll be able to have night games as well.”

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